“Between LeBron and Kareem is 2 and 3” Stephen A. Smith urges how idiotic it is to not include LeBron James into the top 3 of basketball
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Stephen A Smith on Top 3 NBA players including LeBron James and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
LeBron James is a very common name in every best player debate and GOAT debate since he started winning the trophies. He was compared to many greats in the league like Kobe Bryant, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Michael Jordan. There is no denying that his place in those conversations might vary, but he earns a top 3 spot in nearly every discussion. Surprisingly, not everyone agrees the same. On ESPN’s “First Take,” Chris Russo discussed LBJ’s new deal and how he should have taken lesser money for the organization. While discussing so, he even put a question mark over James’ position in the top ten all-time standings.
Everyone is entitled to their opinions and personal preferences play a huge role in these ‘rankings’. So Stephen A Smith came in support of the king and answered Russo’s question. Smith said, “In terms of where he’s gonna be at, I’ll tell you where he’s easily gonna be. LeBron James is a top three player in the history of basketball.”
Stephen A Smith puts LeBron James on the top-3 list.
While discussing LeBron James’ contract extension ‘Mad Dog’ Chris Russo pointed out the hefty fee LBJ will be getting, playing into his 40s. He argued that LeBron could have asked for lesser money so that the Lakers could have used it to build a stronger team around him and Anthony Davis. In the process, Russo even questioned LeBron’s position in All-Time greats.
Though Stephen A Smith put him in the top 3, with MJ and Kareem completing the trio, Russo disagreed, saying that Celtics legend Bill Russell should be ranked above James. Over Russo’s claims, Smith said, “Eleven championships in 13 years. Russell was a great champion, but he was not the player that LeBron James is. LeBron James is top-three talent in the history of basketball.”
Continuing on his preferences, 54-year-old Smith said, “Kareem (Abdul-Jabbar), the resume is impeccable: 19-time All-Star, six-time champion, six-time MVP, all-time leading scorer. I get that, but again, when I’m thinking about centers needing guards to get you the ball, but that’s a different subject for another day.”
Though Stephen had not clearly mentioned the exact ranking among the top-3 players of his preference, he did say, “You want to debate this between LeBron and Kareem is two and three, but there’s no question that LeBron James at the worst is a top three player in the history of basketball since the game was invented. I don’t want to hear that. It’s just blasphemous.”
LeBron James has been a very consistent performer throughout the 19 seasons career
LeBron James started his NBA career in 2003 with the Cleveland Cavaliers, while he won his 1st championship in 2012, it was superstar performances from the young LBJ even before that title. Although James has four titles to his name, he has made 10 NBA Finals appearances. He also played in 15 playoff seasons highlighting consistency in his performances. James even powered the 2007 Cavs team to the NBA finals but was crashed by experienced San Antonio Spurs in straight games.
After a tough spell in his early years with the Cleveland Cavaliers, James opted to join the Miami Heat in 2010. In the four seasons he played with the team, they reached the finals four times and won back-to-back titles in 2012-2013.
Rejoining the talented young Cavs, LBJ again had 4 straight Finals appearances from 2015-2018. He even won a title with the Cavs this time in 2016- overturning 1-3 deficits in some dramatic fashion. With Los Angeles Lakers also, LeBron delivered a title in 2020 but struggled with injuries to some extent. Statistically though he never played below his standards, racking up points, assists, rebounds, and steals while he was on the court.
LBJ will be playing his 20th season in the league and signing an extension with the Lakers, signifies his trust in the organization and team t win the title again.
Also Read: “We both have moved on” NBA Insider reveals how he drifted away from LeBron James
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Kunal Chawda
(600 Articles Published)